WOW-5-15-03

DRY WEIGHT AND ASH FREE DRY WEIGHT

General: This gravimetric approach involves collecting particulate matter on a pre-rinsed and
ashed filter, then drying it to a constant weight. For ash free dry weight (AFDW), the dried
material is oxidized (ashed) in a muffle furnace at high temperature and re-weighed. The loss
upon oxidation is referred to as AFDW. Note that we consider AFDW to be equivalent to ash
free dry mass (AFDM).
Note: The AFDW determination does not distinguish algal material from other organic material
(e.g., bacteria, fungi, etc) in the sample, nor does it account for the physiological state of the
organic material (i.e. detritus, and/or other senescent material). Therefore if one is interested in
algal biomass alone this method may prove unsatisfactory if there is a large fraction of non-algal
material in the sample.
This method was adapted from the Lab Manual of the Central Analytical Laboratory at Natural
Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota-Duluth (Ameel, J., E. Ruzycki and R.P.
Axler. 1998. Analytical chemistry and quality assurance procedures for natural water samples.
6th edition. Central Analytical Laboratory, NRRI Tech. Rep. NRRI/TR-98/03 revised annually).
These methods are based on American Public Health Association (APHA) and US EPA
compilations of water quality methods and the Lab and its Methods Manual is certified
biannually by the Minnesota Department of Health. For ease of use by teachers using the
Water on the Web curriculum, some simplifications have been added since class data will likely
be used only for instructional purposes. Where appropriate, the WOW lecture module slides will
include troubleshooting tips and techniques suggestions.
Safety: It is assumed that instructors are proficient in the handling of hazardous chemicals.
Dangerous concentrated acids and toxic and carcinogenic chemicals may be used in some
methods. For this method the main concern involves the use of a drying oven and high
temperature muffle furnace.
Sample Collection:
See Determining Periphyton Biomass in WOW Lecture Module 4/5, Unit 1
Equipment:
1.
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filtration tower
aspiration pump or other vacuum source
aluminum weigh pans
4.7 cm Whatman GF/C or Gelman A/E filters
drying oven, 103-105C
muffle furnace, 550C (Note 475 C will usually suffice)
analytical balance

Procedure:
Filter preparation: Insert filter with wrinkled side up on filtration apparatus. Apply vacuum and
wash with three successive 20 mL portions of MQW. Continue suction to remove all traces of
water, discard the washings. Remove filter and transfer to a labeled aluminum weigh pan. Let

dry to a constant weight (103-105C). If AFDW is to be determined ignite filters at 550C for 15
min in a muffle furnace. Cool in a desiccator to room temperature and weigh. Store in desiccator
until needed. Weigh immediately before use.
Sample analysis: Assemble filtering apparatus, seat filter and begin suction. Wet filter with a
small volume of MQW to seat it. Filter a measured volume of a well-mixed sample through the
filter. Wash with three successive 10 mL volumes of MQW. Carefully remove filter from filtration
apparatus and transfer to aluminum weigh pan. Dry at least 1 h at 103-105C in an oven, cool in
desiccator to room temperature, and weigh. Repeat until a constant weight is obtained or until
the weight loss is less than 4% of the previous weight or 0.54 mg whichever is less. For AFDW;
after a dry weight is obtained ignite the filter and sample at 550C for 1 h in a muffle furnace
(note that 475C will typically suffice). Cool and weigh until a constant weight is achieved.
Calculation:

Dry weight, mg / L =

(A - B) 1000
sample volume, mL

where: A = weight of filter + dried residue, mg

B = weight of filter, mg

AFDW,mg / L =

(C - D) 1000
sample volume, mL

where: C = weight of filter + residue before ignition, mg

D = weight of filter + residue after ignition, mg
QA/QC:

Record temperatures of drying oven and muffle furnace

Record balance used and calibrate routinely
Use replicates for estimating precision as required
Refer to WOW Module 13 (Unit 4) for detailed Quality Assurance and Quality Control
information

References
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Method 10300 C,D. 20th Ed.
1998. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
Steinman, A.D. and G. A. Lamberti. 1996. Biomass and pigments of benthic algae. P. 297. In
Methods in Stream Ecology. Hauer, F.R. and G.A. Lamberti (eds). Academic Press ,
San Diego, CA.